Hi, my name is Elaine Fairchild and I am the MBChB Student Wellbeing Administrator as well as looking after the administration for the Clinical Tutor Associates for Years 4-6.
I have been with the University for over twelve years in a variety of roles within Medical Education from PG to UG. I am from Newcastle Upon Tyne and have lived in Edinburgh for 17 years. I have two daughters, Emma and Sam (around your own ages) and my husband John, as well as Olga, our puppy and Greta our budgie. I thought I would write this wee blog to introduce myself.
I have been working from home for just shy of a year now.
How am I doing?
Like a lot of people, I wish I could get back into the Chancellor’s Building, to have a change of scenery and to have a chat with colleagues and students. It is just not the same on Teams or Zoom. I miss my potter down the corridor into MSc in Clinical Education for a chat and to see what chocolates I can greed! 😉 I also miss my bacon and mushroom roll from the canteen (you notice the food theme?).
Working from home constantly has made me more lethargic than usual and the lack of social interaction has had an impact, even though my family is at home. I have put on weight as I do like a wee chocolate or two and to be honest, when I have very little going on I tend to eat out of boredom. You do not realise how important a simple in-person chat is and freedom to do what you want, until it is taken away. Once this is all over, I plan to meet up with my family and friends and enjoy the moment. The highlight of my week is currently ASDA!
How am I coping?
I’ve lost my walking routine as I used to walk to work and walk at lunchtime and this has been challenging to keep going, as I am the sort of person that walks with an aim. Once I have motivated myself and am out and about, I do return refreshed ready to focus on the rest of the day, but that motivation is sometimes hard for me to achieve, but I do force myself and I have wee Olga to help.
I have found work is a good distraction from boredom, but it also comes with its own pressures so I need to remind myself to be kind to me and try and do something I enjoy. Now that the weather is getting a little better I will be starting to work once again in my garden.
How is family life?
My husband is an essential worker and he is able to go to work. Therefore my daughters and myself are at home, which presents its own challenges with finding a quiet place and tidying up, not to mention connectivity issues with the internet. We are plodding on though despite the challenges!
My plans when it is safe?
My plan is to see my family in Newcastle Upon Tyne, see my friends and go to the cinema then move forward with life, booking a holiday! Nothing major but that will keep me happy. J
I have attached some photos to my blog, one of my husband and myself on a ‘hot date’ to the Klondyke Garden Centre for a coffee, on one of the lockdowns. The other photo is Olga the puppy looking cute.
Just to remind all Years 4-6 students that each of you are allocated a Clinical Tutor Associate, which can provide substantial support during your clinical years. Please do contact them as they can help you. I am in the process of highlighting the CTA programme on social media, so you will see further information advertised in due course.
Lovely to ‘meet’ you!
Elaine
